Emma and Matt Willis tease the ‘secret’ guests at the Queen Anne Cunard naming ceremony

Emma and Matt Willis said “secret” guests will attend Cunard’s Queen Anne naming ceremony in Liverpool today.

The Voice presenter Emma and her Busted musician husband Matt will host the special event, with a performance by Andrea Bocelli scheduled for 4pm. During a rehearsal, Emma and Matt told the already gathered crowds that five “outstanding Liverpool icons” would be honored during the ceremony.

Addressing the audience, Matt said: “We’re keeping it a secret.” But he added that special guests would be welcomed on stage for their “incredible contributions”.

READ MORE: Live updates as the Cunard Queen Anne with Andrea Bocelli event takes place in Liverpool

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The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Liverpool Theater School and DJ Lauren Lo Sung will also take to the stage. They will be joined on stage by special guests from Cunard and the ship’s official Godfather, before the Queen Anne is officially named, signified by the iconic smashing of a champagne bottle against the ship.

At around 8.30pm the evening’s festivities begin and crowds will be treated to another piece from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and transported to a world of funk and soul as legendary Liverpudlian TV personality and DJ Craig Charles joins the orchestra on stage. Craig will keep the party and everyone on their feet until the grand finale when the Queen Anne departs at around 10.15pm.

A fireworks finale is then scheduled to take place (weather permitting) for guests ashore and on board. Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Queen Anne’s Festival of the British Isles voyage celebrates the best of Britain and Ireland and we are delighted that our newest ship has now arrived in Liverpool.

“This wonderful city is the spiritual home of Cunard and we share such an incredible bond, so what better place to officially name our new ship than a place that holds so many special memories. We are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne. up close during what promises to be a very special celebration.”

Queen Anne embarked on her maiden voyage on May 3 from Southampton. Her maiden season will include 19 visits to incredible locations such as Liverpool, Bilbao, Ibiza, Skjolden, Messina and Santorini.

She will make voyages from ex-UK Europe to her Maiden World voyage, departing in January 2025. The call to Liverpool on 3 June takes place during her maiden voyage around the British Isles as part of The British Isles Festival Voyage.

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